Location and Classification
The Kranzberg, also Niersteiner Kranzberg, is a single vineyard site in the municipality of Nierstein in the growing region Rheinhessen. It belongs to the Großlage Auflangen and is officially listed for Nierstein in Rhineland-Palatinate as a wine-growing site name. The vineyard area comprises 9 hectares.
Topography and Climate
The site forms a cone to the north of Nierstein and lies mostly on the flatter upper part of the Roter Hang. It is hilly, but not steep, oriented from south-east to south, and is situated at about 90 to 130 metres above sea level. The sub-area classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE is oriented from east to south-east, lies at 125 to 129 metres above sea level and has a slope gradient of 20 percent. Direct sunshine shapes the climate; the Rhine both amplifies the solar effect and brings in cooling air.
Soils and Grape Varieties
The soils consist of loess loam over calcareous material; in the lower area, sandy, clayey loam occurs. As an important soil type, loess-pararendzina is described, which is calcareous, deep-rooting and loamy, and can store a great deal of plant-available water. Riesling is the predominant grape variety. For the 0.79-hectare VDP sub-area, Spätburgunder is listed as the classified grape variety.
History and Wine Profile
The vineyard was documented in 1418 under a historical name, which was probably derived from a personal name. The terroir profile combines loess-pararendzina with aromas of yellow fruits, apple, peach, pear and citrus, a rather slender and refreshing structure, mild acidity and a medium to full body. The VDP.GROSSE LAGE refers to a VDP classification and not to a statutory German wine-growing classification.
